In Brussels, Collectible is a hotbed of multidisciplinary collaboration

Since 2018, Collectible in Brussels has established a new format for design fairs. Now on its third edition, the showcase is growing – 2020 includes more areas of design, becoming a gathering of multigenerational talent from different fields.

This year’s show features over 100 international participants including returning galleries Maniera, Valerie Traan and Camp, and new exhibitors such as Barcelona’s SIDE Gallery and design brand Theoreme Editions, set up by David Giroire and Jerome Bazzocchi in 2019.

Set up under the roof of Brussels’ Vanderborght building, the fair mixes cutting edge and experimental design from established names as well as new talent, with independent designers, galleries and cultural institutions working together. The result is a diverse, multidisciplinary display that offers curated sections and themed projects, for a unique panoramic of exciting design ventures.

New section: Bespoke

Among the new curated sections of the fair is Bespoke, showcasing new high-end commissions by design studios and brands. Included is a debut collection by Mexico-based French designer Llewellyn Chupin, titled Terra. Inspired by her travels, Terra realises forms that focus on materiality and archetypal shapes.

Scenography by Tomas Dirrix

The entrance of the Vanderborght building has been handed over to architect Tomas Dirrix, whose practice focuses on cultural influences and materiality, with an imaginative outlook on space and construction. At Collectible, Dirrix has created a scenography inspired by Roman ruins, greeting visitors to the location and setting the experimental mood for at the fair.

Curated by Brent Dzekciorius

Over 30 international design studios have been selected by curator Brent Dzekciorius in a new section that offers ‘a space for radical experimentation and discovery.’ Here, pioneering processes and production techniques in new work sit on earthenware gradient plinths designed by by Studio Döppel. Included in the roster is Rotterdam’s Supertoys Supertoys studio, whose playful pieces are intended to blur the boundaries between tool and artefact, and designer Ward Wijnant’s Blend project (pictured) that is a colourful exploration on the use of timber. Photography: Ronald Smits

New section: Food Design

A novel concept unveiled at this year’s edition focuses on food design, showcasing creatives that explore innovation in this micro-section. The seven multi-sensory displays include works by Austrian designer Nadja Zerunian, who presents an investigation on honey. Serving the liquid objects in glass, bronze, gold and pearl allows Zerunian to test the balance of goodness, ‘that, if not carefully calibrated turns toxic,’ she explains. ‘The objects are serving prosaic & ceremonial tasks, but are ultimately examining notions of love, lust & temptation.’ 

Gallery highlight: Atelier Jespers

Returning local gallery Atelier Jespers’ display references the work of Ghent-based collective Stand Van Zaken. Inspired by post-radical, avant-garde studio Alchimia and its founder Alessandro Guerriero, the group repurpose mundane materials such as steel drainpipes to create furniture and lighting pieces.

INFORMATION

Collectible is on view 5-8 March at The Vanderborght building

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